Justin Herbert throws three touchdowns in Chargers win

Justin Herbert’s play this season has given rise to visions of future duels with Patrick Mahomes, but the Chargers rookie had to settle for Chad Henne on Sunday.

The Chiefs left Patrick Mahomes on the bench with the AFC seed curled up and it gave him a chance to see Herbert throw three touchdowns in a 38-21 Chargers win. The win gives the Chargers a 7-9 record for the season and they ended the year with a four-game winning streak.

Finishing this way should make it more likely that head coach Anthony Lynn will return for a fifth season and a second year with Herbert leading the offense. Herbert had already set the record for touchdowns by a rookie quarterback and he finished the year with 31 of them.

He also ran for a score on Sunday and threw for 302 yards in the win. Herbert and Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson will likely be the main contenders for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

With Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and many more serving for the Chiefs, there wasn’t much reason to think they could match the Chargers’ offensive exit. Chad Henne led a few touchdowns early on, but the team only managed 268 yards for the game.

It probably won’t cause too many sleepless nights in Kansas City, as the Chiefs know the path to the Super Bowl is through Arrowhead Stadium.